Lifetime honour for long-serving Lawton

Eric Lawton has agreed to become the life president of EVO-STIK Northern Premier League Goole AFC.

Lawton was asked to replace the First Division South club's late president Ted Shaw after decades of service in a range of roles since stepping up from the terraces in the 1960s, his posts including secretary, treasurer and chairman.

Vikings director Craig Whincup said: "After the recent sad loss of Ted Shaw, there was a general feeling that Eric was the man to ask and thankfully he was delighted to accept the position.

"His contribution to this club has been immeasurable. He is so well-liked by everyone, being one of the most respected faces in local and Non-League football, and this position at the club is a thank-you to him for all his tireless efforts."

The 80-year-old stalwart - pictured at the league's 2014 awards night in Blackpool collecting an EVO-STIK NPL long service accolade from league chairman Mark Harris and Dale Poulton, commercial director at Bostik, parent company of title sponsors EVO-STIK - is one of the club's most recognisable faces at the Victoria Pleasure Grounds after his 48 years of service and work as an ambassador for both Goole AFC and Goole Town AFC.

Born and raised in Howden, the club's new life president has lived in Goole for most of his life and worked from leaving school as an apprentice to the time he retired for local company ABP.

Image courtesy of Graham Lindley

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